1. GW101 presents… Looking Ahead to Fall 2015

2. Helpful Tips for Families of College Students Do not ask if they are homesick. The power of suggestion can be a dangerous thing. A student once told me, “The idea of being homesick didn’t even occur to me, with all the new things that were going on, until my mom called one of the first weekends and asked if I was homesick. Then it hit me”. The first few days and weeks of school are filled with excitement; adjusting to new people and new lifestyles takes up a majority of a student’s time and concentration. So, unless they’re reminded of it (by a well- meaning parent), your son or daughter will probably be able to escape severe bouts of homesickness. They may not tell you this, but they really do miss you.

3. Helpful Tips for Families of College Students Ask Questions (but not too many). College freshmen have a tendency to resent interference from mom or dad about their collegiate lifestyle-but still yearn for the security of knowing that their family members are still interested. Avoid questions or statements that begin with, “I have the right to know” or I’m paying the bills, so I expect you to tell me everything. And, if you ask, be prepared for an answer you may not like. Your students are making a lot of choices for the first time and despite whether you like it or not, those choices are theirs to make. Honest inquiries and friendly discussions can strengthen the bond you have with them.

4. Helpful Tips for Families of College Students Be patient. Your son/daughter will not become “college students” overnight. They start out as high school students at college. It takes time to learn how to be a college student- how to study, how to eat, how to do laundry, how to socialize, how to handle money, etc. Be patient. This process typically requires one semester by which time the student then becomes acclimated.

5. Helpful Tips for Families of College Students Expect Change (but not too much). Your son or daughter will change. It’s natural, inevitable, and can be inspiring. College, and the experiences associated with it, can affect changes in social, vocational, and personal behavior. Remember that they will be the same person you sent away to school, aside from interest changes and personality revisions. Don’t expect too much too soon. Maturation is not an instantaneous or overnight process, so be patient.

6. Helpful Tips for Families of College Students Do not worry excessively about “down in the dumps” phone calls, facebook messages, tweets, texts or emails. Often when trouble becomes too much for a freshman to handle (failing a test, an ended relationship), the only place to turn is home. Often, unfortunately, this is the only time the urge to communicate is felt so strongly, so you never get to hear about the “A” paper or the new significant other. Changes in mood or behavior may be an early indication of emotional or psychological distress. Encourage responsibility by helping your son or daughter define the problem and identify possible solutions.

7. Helpful Tips for Families of College Students Do not visit unannounced. Students like to know that you are coming. Visits by parents (especially when accompanied by shopping sprees and/or dinners out) are another part of first year events that new students are reluctant to admit liking but appreciate greatly. If you do come unannounced you better bear something unbelievable!

8. Helpful Tips for Families of College Students Write. Email. Text. Skype. Tweet. Although students are eager to experience their newfound independence, most are still anxious for family ties and the security those ties bring. There’s nothing more depressing than a week of empty mailboxes. Remind them that you’re still around. (Warning: Do not expect a reply to every letter, email, text or tweet you send).

9. Helpful Tips for Families of College Students Encourage independence. Sometimes in spite of your best efforts, a student has difficulty in college — either academic or personal. Express support, but give them time to solve their own problems. Encourage your student to seek help. Many resources exist at GW to help students cope with various situations such as the Writing Center, GW Tutoring Initiative, University Counseling Center, Care Network, academic advisors and resident advisors.

10. Helpful Tips for Families of College Students Discussion social networks (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) Encourage your student to be judicious in the information they post. Social networks can have a lasting effect and what is posted there is forever archived to follow the student throughout their lives…think applying for a job or attending law school.

11. Helpful Tips for Families of College Students Send care packages. Students love to get care packages from the family, especially during midterms and finals. Think about sending homemade snacks, money, articles from the hometown newspaper, gift cards, snapshots of the family, CD’s, books, stamps, and envelopes.

12. Helpful Tips for Families of College Students Do not tell them these are the best years of their lives. Freshmen year (and the other three as well) can be full of discovery, inspiration, good times, and new people as well as indecision, disappointment, and mistakes. However, except in retrospect, it’s not the good times that stand out. Parents who perpetuate the “best years” myth are working against their student’s development. Those who accept their student’s highs and lows are providing the support and encouragement where it is needed most.

13. Helpful Tips for Families of College Students Trust them (and yourself). Finding oneself is a difficult enough process without feeling like the people whose opinions you respect most are second- guessing your own second-guessing. Believe in your son or daughter, have faith, and communicate your trust.

14. Helpful Tips for Families of College Students Allow them to fly, but leave room in the nest! Even though they are spreading their wings, they are not gone forever, I can assure you!